ProRodeo Sports News - March 18, 2022

PRORODEO PURSES

Photo courtesy Elko Rodeo

Bigger & Better The Silver State Stampede in Elko, Nev., is the oldest rodeo in the state and has drawn its share of large crowds. Elko, Nev., and Claremore, Okla. increase 2022 purses

BY JOLEE JORDAN, Special to the ProRodeo Sports News T here is no denying the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic dealt a blow to the rodeo business in 2020, shutting down a chunk of ProRodeo events and dealing financial blows upon those that fought through and staged their events. While there are still lingering challenges from the pandemic, many rodeo committees have found their way back to successful events and some, like those in Elko, Nev., and Claremore, Okla., have risen to new heights. Both rodeos will feature greatly increased purses in 2022 along with other improvements, advances that committee members credit to tremendous community involvement. REBELS OF THE SILVER STATE STAMPEDE JOIN NFR PLAYOFF SERIES Elko’s rodeo is the oldest in the state of Nevada and was the only ProRodeo to happen in the state during the 2020 season. “We’re a little bit rebellious,” Cathy Laughlin joked. Cathy serves as the secretary for the 12-member Board of Directors for the Silver State

Stampede Rodeo. “Mining is one of the major industries in our area and mining was one of the industries that didn’t shut down,” Pat Laughlin added. Pat serves alongside his wife as president of the rodeo and is himself a former bareback rider. “Our sponsors backed us. We definitely stuck our necks out but we had the support of the city council and county commissioners.” The Silver State Stampede was a beneficiary of the PRCA’s Kick Open the Chutes program. “The PRCA gave us $20,000 to help put on the rodeo and when we got done, that’s all we had. We made $0 so we took a big hit by having the rodeo,” Pat said. “If we had just canceled, we would have started 2021 with $50,000 to $60,000.” But the 2020 event was also featured onThe Cowboy Channel, bringing needed attention to the rodeo and setting the stage for a resurgence in 2021 and 2022. “Every now and then, when a door opens, you better stick your foot in it,” Pat said. “What we did in 2020 turned the curve for us. We went from pounding the streets, begging sponsors to give us money to having sponsors

ProRodeo Sports News 3/18/2022

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